Chester overcame a nervous opening quarter against Hull at Chanterlands Avenue on Saturday to record an impressive bonus point win. The home side started brightly with some muscular forward drives resulting in pacy outside centre Harry Dawkins finishing off a smart move converted by full back Fynlay Hobson. This was to prove his only successful kick of the match. Chester playing with a deceptively strong breeze reduced the deficit via a Morgan Bagshaw penalty. Bagshaw was to go on and deliver a Man of the Match performance from outside half.
Opting to keep ball in hand and run hard, the Hull backs were finding room in the outside channels and Harrison Astley was able to gather his own kick ahead and score wide out. Another Bagshaw penalty kept the visitors in the game and Chester's attacking endeavour was rewarded on 27 minutes when Dafydd Williams, carrying an injured shoulder which forced him to leave the field straight after, outsprinted the Hull defence to complete a fine passing move and score. The blustery conditions put paid to the conversion attempt. Opposite winger Josh Ratuvuo was not to be outdone and, keeping his width, was able to collect a try scoring pass and extend the home sides lead to 17-11. Errors were the downfall for the home side, allowing Chester territorial advantage and a well worked training ground move from first phase saw Bagshaw slip a scoring pass to winger Ben Ivory (pictured) to crash over from short range. The conversion from Bagshaw signalled a Chester lead for the first time and the half time whistle.
Now playing into the breeze and with club captain Harry Craven replacing the excellent Tommy Ellis, Chester imposed themselves fully on their hosts and added 22 unanswered points. With sun on their backs, the outside backs found time and space to take advantage of Hull's generosity. Andrew McMinimee and James Hampson in the centres were particularly impressive and the constant sniping from Craven kept the Hull defence guessing. Craven added two tries, one from a quick tap penalty as the home side infringed once more and one cleverly spotting an unguarded blind side. Harry Roberts continued his fine try scoring form, blasting over from close range and Ivory also benefitted from good quick handling to sprint into the corner. Bagshaw was successful with just one conversion in the tricky conditions. The coaching team will be very satisfied with a 7 try haul away from home at a ground which has proved tricky in the past. A sterner test awaits next week at Hare Lane as we entertain League leaders Leeds Tykes